2012 Readers’ Favorite Bassists – #5: Jaco Pastorius
There hasn’t been a single year that Jaco Pastorius hasn’t made the annual reader favorite list, speaking to the continued and long-term impact of the bass legend.
In 2012, big news came out: a new Jaco documentary was in the works, financed by Robert Trujillo.
2012 also marked a sad event: the 25th anniversary of Jaco’s passing. We reflected on the continued influence he has on the bass world, through help from some legendary bassists who like most, credit Jaco for inspiration.
Plus, more Jaco videos coming to light, which is always, always a good thing.
Here are the top five most viewed Jaco Pastorius stories and videos during 2012. Be sure to check out our complete Jaco Pastorius archive for even more.
1. Robert Trujillo Financing Jaco Pastorius Documentary Film
We’d heard rumors about this, and now a report has come out via USA Today confirming what we’ve been hearing: a film about Jaco Pastorius has been in development, and it is being financed by Metallica’s Robert Trujillo. Trujillo, you may remember, has another tie to Jaco, having purchased Jaco’s Bass of Doom…
2. 25 Years Later: The Continued Influence of Jaco Pastorius
Usually when we mark an anniversary, it is cause for celebration. Today isn’t one of those anniversaries. Twenty-five years ago today, the world lost a man many say was the greatest bass player ever. In the 25 years since Jaco Pastorius’ passing, a lot has changed in the world of bass. But one thing has remained consistent: Jaco’s enormous influence…
3. The Book of Jaco – the Ultimate Compendium of the Genius of Jaco Pastorius
Bassist Mike Cornelison spent years of intense study on the work of Jaco Pastorius while studying at Musicians Institute. After graduating MI with honors, Cornelison began compiling his studies and ultimately put together a book including 26 of the late bassist’s lines from various albums and acts over his career…
4. Unreleased Weather Report with Jaco Pastorius: “A Remark You Made”, Live (1978)
Here’s another unearthed gem from Weather Report’s live performances in 1978, with one of the greatest line-ups in the band’s history: Joe Zawinul, Wayne Shorter, Jaco Pastorius and Peter Erskine. In this video, the group performs the beautiful Zawinul tune, “A Remark You Made”, which was quite the showcase for Jaco’s fretless sound…
5. Jaco Pastorius & Weather Report: Birdland Live (1978)
More previously unreleased Jaco Pastorius gold: a live performance of “Birdland”, performed by Weather Report in Pennsylvania in 1978. Drummer Peter Erskine’s father Dr. Fred Erskine filmed the concerts in both Reading and Washington, Pennsylvania….
Well, three of my top five are in the bottom five….. maybe I’m just getting old. :/